J. S. Walker Associates Realtors

(ARA) - Now that spring has arrived, a lot of people are itching to get started on their home improvement projects. Maybe you want to do a kitchen remodel, you need a new roof or want to improve your home's curb appeal with some new paint and landscaping.

These are all projects you'd likely have a contractor do for you, but where do you find a good one? Instead of making dozens of calls, then waiting hours or days for someone to call you back with a quote, speed things up with the help of the professionals at RenovationExperts.com. The Web site offers home owners access to pre-screened contractors who want to do business with you.

All you have to do is log on to the site, fill out a quick online form describing the work you need done, and up to four contractors who do business in your community will get back to you with quotes, usually within 24 hours. Best of all the service is totally free.

Karen and Craig Anderson of Shorewood, Minn., turned to the site for help after their attempts to find a contractor for their kitchen remodel project through conventional means failed. "We were amazed," says Karen. "I had sent in the request just before dinner. While we were eating we received a phone call from a contractor, and after dinner I checked my e-mail and found quotes from 3 more. We called all four and decided to hire JPA Construction."

The company's owner, James Arnold, did the majority of the work the couple needed done himself. He removed an old floor and replaced it with a new sub-floor and porcelin tile, and raised the counters up and installed a new granite countertop and tiled backsplash. "We liked his work so much we asked Mr. Arnold to leave a few business cards when he was done," says Karen.

James Arnold says the best thing about his association with RenovationExperts.com is the site sends him qualified leads. "We do just about everything -- new homes, remodels, additions, kitchen remodels --and it would cost way too much to advertise in all the venues we want to reach. Working with RenovationExperts.com offers us the opportunity to reach a wide variety of customers through a single venue."

In addition to serving as a way for contractors and potential clients to connect, the site also features online calculators homeowners can use to get an idea of how much their projects will cost, and a collection of articles containing useful how-to information.

When you're ready to take the first step on that all important home improvement project, click here to find the right contractor for the job.